What Can You Do with a "Birr"?

If I gave you a "birr," what would you do with it? If I were you, I'd cash it (in U.S,. currency). It's Ethiopian money.

Just as the usefulness (subjective value) of a coin may vary in different situations, so also many human activities have considerable value in one situation but little or no value in another situation. For example, studying a Bible passage merely in order to be more intelligently involved in an upcoming Bible study session could well be fulfilling academically or socially, but spiritually it may be an act of little or no value. Yet reviewing that same Bible passage could be spiritually enriching and replete wth rich spiritual insights, if it is done prayerfully and with a humble and loving yearning to know more about the Lord and his plans for one's salvation and a sanctification.

Paul reminds Timothy that "the holy Scriptures are able to make you wise for salvation....thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tm 3:15-17). To study God's holy word only to acquire scholarly knowledge about it has, of course, some real value in the academe ("useful for teaching," Paul says in verse 16), but by itself that kind of encounter with God's word does not lead intrinsically wither to one's own salvation or sanctification, God's love letter has countless personal messages for you. Have you found them?

This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net